1,200 cities were nominated since the start of the global competition, initiated by Swiss nonprofit New7Wonders Foundation which aims to preserve the world’s man-made and natural heritage sites. Their foundation also managed the previous event in 2011 that recognized Puerto Princessa Palawan in the Philippines as one of the most beautiful wonder of natures.

                                                          "Puerto Princesa Underground River"

“Whether it is innovation or income inequality, or migration or mass transport, some of the most provocative questions of our time are being debated in the context of a changing world in which the majority of humanity lives in cities,” Fitzgerald, head of communication at 7wonders said.

Fitzgerald said the rankings among the 21 remaining cities were changing daily. “That shows how dynamic and exciting this campaign is,”

To support Vigan’s campaign, Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson issued a memorandum to all provincial government offices, towns and cities in the province to ask employees to conduct simultaneous voting from 8 to 9 a.m.  The Department of Foreign Affairs has also urged Filipinos to vote for Vigan. As Filipino netizens heard that Vigan City made it to the top 14, they immediately flooded the campaign of Vigan City on Facebook.

                                                    "Vigan Calle Crisologo (Day/Morning)"

According to a press release, Vigan, along with the cities of Barcelona, Beirut, Chicago, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, London, Mexico City, Perth, Quinto, and Reykjavik, were named the 14 finalists.


New 7 Wonders made the announcement via YouTube December 8 2014, 3am Manila Time. Vigan City luckily acquired a spot in 7 Wonder Cities of the world along with Beirut-Lebanon, Doha-Qatar, Durban-South Africa, Havana-Cuba, KualaLumpur-Malaysia, and La paz of Bolivia.

                                                     "Vigan Calle Crisologo (Night)"